African news: South African President Ramaphosa embarks on a new term with a multi-party government at his side.

 

Cyril Ramaphosa has been sworn in for his second term as the President of South Africa at a ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on June 19, 2024. The event was captured by KIM LUDBROOK/Pool via REUTERS© Thomson Reuters.

South African President Ramaphosa is starting a new term with a multi-party coalition government by his side.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated for a second term on Wednesday. His African National Congress (ANC) will now share power with other parties, as the ANC lost its majority for the first time in 30 years.

The ANC, which came to power under Nelson Mandela's leadership in 1994, faced a decline in popularity over the years and in the recent parliamentary election on May 29, no party won a majority. As a result, Ramaphosa will lead a government of national unity with five other parties, including the ANC's main rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA).

This inclusion of the DA has been welcomed by investors, as the party aims to boost growth through structural reforms and prudent fiscal policies. However, analysts have expressed concerns about potential ideological differences causing government instability.

Cyril Ramaphosa has been sworn in for his second term as the President of South Africa at a ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on June 19, 2024. The event was captured by KIM LUDBROOK/Pool via REUTERS© Thomson Reuters.

Prior to the election, Ramaphosa signed a National Health Insurance bill into law, which the DA opposes, arguing that it could damage the country's struggling health system. The DA also advocates for scrapping the ANC's Black economic empowerment program, a move that has sparked significant debate in a country grappling with deep-seated inequalities.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, was attended by African heads of state and dignitaries. The event featured inter-faith prayers and military displays, reflecting the diversity of South African society.

Ramaphosa has yet to announce the composition of his new government, but negotiations with members of the new alliance are ongoing. The ANC remains the largest party with 159 seats in the National Assembly, while the DA has 87 seats. The ANC's decline in popularity is attributed to issues such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, crime, power cuts, and corruption within the party.